Page 39 of Snow Time for Love

“I mean I’m not selling the place, Bo. It’s ours.”

Bo stared at him. “I— I don’t know what to say.”

“How aboutyes, I’ll be your husband and live here with you.”

“Are you sure, Ralph? There’s alotof money in this place. Three million, didn’t you say?”

“You’re worth a lot more than that to me. And I see the way you look at this one, the TLC you put into it, the way you speak about it. You like this one, Bo...a lot.”

“Who wouldn’t? But I don’t know. No one’s offered me anything anywhere near this magnitude before.”

“You’ve never had anyone love you as much as I do. And vice versa, I hope.”

“No doubt. I’m crazy about you...andyour magic wand.”

“Then it’s settled. Welcome to your new home—ournew home.”

Bo walked around, looking at the place as if seeing it for the first time. “What about Falls Church?”

“That old place? You’ll fix it up and I’ll sell it. Business as usual. I have no attachment to it. It was my bachelor pad for a decade.Thisis home.”

Bo heaved a big sigh. “My God, it’s grand, to say the least.”

“Neither of us wants kids, and Trixie’s low maintenance. We deserve it, Bo. We deserve that incredible view and the amazing work you’ve put into it.”

“Wait a minute... did you keep it a secret because you thought I’d do a better job not knowing?”

Ralph laughed. “Funny. No. Your skills and work ethic speak for themselves. Two things led to tonight. One, your attachment to the place... which is evident, whether you realize it or not. And, two, I wanted to surprise you. Originally, I had planned to propose tonight at David’s, knowing it’s your favorite restaurant. But when I came up with the toolbox idea, it felt right. I told George and he agreed. So, he and Mikey are going to have a late dinner with us at David’s tomorrow instead... to celebrate.”

“Fantastic.”

“I thought you might like that.”

“Not that there’s anything wrong with tequila, Chinese food, and you...alone.”

“I like the harmony of it. Seems fitting, don’t you think?”

“I do.” Bo kissed him. “I approve, Ralph Forrester. You done good. And I cannot wait to pay you back in the shower—ourshower.”

“Now, you’re talking.”

“But wait. Oh, no.” Bo’s eyes grew large. “It’s happening.”

“What’s that, honey buns?”

“I’m gonna beMrs. Realty-Man.”

Ralph chuckled. “No. I fell in love with Bo Bryson.That’s who I want to be married to. I don’t ever want that to change.”

“Me either. And I don’t need your name, Ralph, as long as I have you...andyour magic wand.

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